21 Business Ideas For Skeptics [2024]
Are you skeptical about jumping into the world of business in 2024? It’s understandable; countless ventures fail despite grand promises and hype. However, there are still viable opportunities worth considering, especially if you’re cautious by nature.
This article will explore business ideas that skeptics could realistically pursue. Whether you want to test the waters or fully commit, these possibilities offer practical paths forward. You'll find concepts grounded in reality and backed by market demand, making them worthy of your consideration.
By reading on, you could discover unique ventures that align with your careful approach. The aim is to provide you with straightforward options that reduce risk and increase the likelihood of success. Whether you are looking for side projects or full-time business ideas, there's something here that might change your perspective.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other skeptic businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog could be an excellent opportunity for skeptics looking to supplement their income or even launch a full-time business. By identifying a profitable and underserved niche, you could share your expertise and unique perspectives with a passionate online community. With a solid strategy for creating engaging content and implementing monetization techniques like affiliate marketing, ad revenues, and brand collaborations, a niche blog could develop into a significant revenue stream. For added inspiration, you can explore various niche blog success stories on Starter Story.
Why start a niche blog?
- Low initial investment. Starting a blog requires minimal upfront costs compared to other business ventures.
- Leverage your interests. Focusing on a niche you’re passionate about makes content creation enjoyable and sustainable.
- Potential for diverse income streams. Monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, and more.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Start a newsletter ($213K/month)
In a rapidly evolving digital world, newsletters have seen over a 50% increase in readership in the past five years. For skeptics, launching a newsletter offers a low-risk opportunity to test the waters of entrepreneurship while reaching a targeted audience. By producing a well-written newsletter, you could position yourself as a trusted expert, educate your subscribers, and build meaningful connections that can eventually lead to monetization. Learn more about the potential profitability of newsletters on Starter Story.
Why start a newsletter?
- You could market yourself as a trusted expert, creating authority in your niche.
- With a consistent, valuable newsletter, you could build and maintain a loyal subscriber base.
- Newsletters can drive other business opportunities, such as selling products or services, through direct communication with your audience.
How much you can make: $160 — $4,100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.
3. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)
Starting a blog as a skeptic could be a strategic move to supplement your income or even develop a full-fledged business. Blogging offers flexibility in work hours and location, allowing you to engage with a broad audience while discussing topics that intrigue you. With about 77% of internet users reading blogs and over 409 million people viewing more than 20 billion pages monthly, the potential audience is vast. If you align your blog with your personal interests and establish a consistent content strategy, you could monetize your content through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing.
Why start a blog?
- You could leverage your critical thinking skills to produce compelling, trustworthy content in a market where blogs are highly valued.
- Blogging allows you to operate from anywhere in the world and on your own schedule, making it suitable as a side hustle.
- The growing audience for blogs provides numerous monetization opportunities, turning your skeptical insights into a profitable venture.
For more insights on starting a blog, explore our blogging business success stories.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
4. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)
As a skeptic, you might wonder about the practicality and financial benefits of starting an online course. Here's why it makes sense: creating and selling digital classes allows you to capitalize on your specialized knowledge by filling educational gaps you’ve identified. With the increasing demand for convenient, accessible learning, you could earn passive income from students eager to learn at their own pace without the need for significant startup costs.
Why start an online course?
- You could benefit from passive income. Once your course is created, it could continue generating revenue for years.
- You already have the expertise. Transforming your specialized knowledge into a course does not require you to learn new skills—just share what you know.
- Flexible scheduling. Online courses offer the freedom to work on your own terms and timeline, making it easier to balance with other commitments.
For more information, check out this Starter Story article on online courses businesses.
How much you can make: $350 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
5. Start an ice skating business
Starting an ice skating business can be a viable option for skeptics looking to diversify their income streams or launch a side hustle. The winter months provide a natural opportunity to attract families and ice skating enthusiasts, offering you the chance to capitalize on a seasonal surge in interest. Additionally, investing in synthetic ice rinks allows for year-round operation, which can increase profitability and stabilize your revenue throughout the year.
Why consider an ice skating business?
- Initial setup costs could be lower than expected, especially with synthetic ice rinks.
- Seasonal popularity ensures high demand during winter, drawing in a consistent customer base.
- You could offer additional services like skating lessons or event hosting to further boost your income.
For more insights on starting an ice skating business, you can check out some detailed startup costs here.
6. Start a product review blog ($26.4K/month)
Starting a product review blog could be a perfect fit for skeptics interested in supplementing their income. By critically evaluating products and sharing honest reviews, you can build a loyal readership that values unbiased opinions. This creates opportunities for revenue through advertising and affiliate marketing, leveraging your cautious nature to ensure integrity in your reviews. If you’d like to learn about successful product reviewers, check out their success stories.
Why start a product review blog?
- As a skeptic, your authentic and honest reviews would resonate with other like-minded individuals seeking trustworthy opinions.
- The growing trend of businesses seeking authentic voices for product reviews provides vast monetization opportunities.
- A product review blog can be managed alongside your current job, making it a flexible option to supplement your income.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $110,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Sex blogger turns a free WordPress blog into a $2,000 a month part-time digital business by investing in education, self-hosting, and building relationships within the NSFW community.
7. Start a book writer ($192K/month)
Have a knack for storytelling and a love for words? Consider becoming a book writer. Penning books, whether they're novels, non-fiction, or children's stories, is more than just an art – it's a viable business. Your focus will be split between creating compelling content and handling the business aspects like marketing, networking, and dealing with publishers or self-publishing platforms. Writing a book can be immensely rewarding as you watch your ideas come to life and resonate with readers around the globe. With dedication and effective strategies, you could turn this passion into a lucrative and fulfilling business.
Why consider becoming a book writer?
- It allows you to turn your passion for writing into a revenue stream.
- You could reach and inspire a global audience with your ideas and stories.
- Successfully published books can provide long-term passive income.
For more insights and tips on starting as a book writer, check out these success stories and marketing ideas over on Starter Story: Read more.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Qwantify is a digital development and marketing agency that operates a Partner Program guaranteeing websites earn a minimum of $10,000 per month, and since 2016, they have grown to become a multi-million dollar per year digital development agency.
8. Start a house painting business
Starting a house painting business could be an excellent opportunity for skeptics who want to see real, measurable results from their efforts. With a relatively low initial investment in equipment like brushes, rollers, and safety gear, you can begin providing a valuable service to homeowners in your community. The demand for house painting is evergreen, and with strategic marketing, such as social media and word-of-mouth referrals, you could quickly build a steady stream of clients.
Why start a house painting business?
- Lower initial investment: You only need basic supplies to start.
- High demand: Homeowners constantly need painting services, ensuring steady work.
- Growth potential: You can expand by investing in additional equipment and hiring help.
For more insights, check out some success stories in the house painting industry on Starter Story here.
How much you can make: $27,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Hometown Painting LLC, an exterior residential painting company founded by a husband-wife duo, went from no sales in their first year to over $100,000 net profit the next year, and is projected to reach half a million in annual sales with a 30-35% net margin with continued growth and adding more crew in the next year.
9. Start a content writing company ($50.4K/month)
Starting a content writing company can be a great option for skeptics seeking a flexible way to supplement their income or establish a side business. Given the high demand for digital content, you could leverage your writing skills to create blog posts, product descriptions, or even eBooks, while enjoying the freedom to work on your own terms. Additionally, content writing allows you to develop valuable skills that can enhance your marketability and provide long-term career benefits.
Why consider starting a content writing company?
- Content writing is a high-demand service due to the competitive online market, making it a reliable income source.
- You have the flexibility to choose your workload and schedule, which is ideal for those who value work-life balance.
- It serves as an excellent platform to develop and showcase your expertise in various writing styles and niches, potentially opening new career opportunities.
For further insights, you could check out success stories from content writing companies.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Scribly.io, a subscription-based copywriting service providing high quality content that helps businesses scale at roughly 50% of the cost of hiring in-house, created by Dani, a first-time entrepreneur who started with just a few hundred dollars worth of projects and with the help of three other writers; as of last month, Scribly.io topped $14K monthly revenue.
10. Start an entrepreneurship blog ($30.2K/month)
Starting an entrepreneurship blog could be an ideal venture for skeptics who wish to supplement their income or create a side business. With an aim to offer true-to-life insights and practical advice, you could cater to the growing demand for genuine entrepreneurial stories and strategies. By documenting your own challenges and successes, you not only create valuable content but also establish yourself as a credible source within the business community. Check out how others have succeeded.
Why consider an entrepreneurship blog? - You could build a loyal following by sharing real-world experiences and helping others navigate the entrepreneurial journey. - Monetization opportunities are available through advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing, creating multiple streams of income. - It allows you to leverage your existing knowledge and passion for business while providing flexibility and scalability.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $240,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $425 (?)
How long does it take to build: 22 days (?)
Consulting Success® is a 7-figure, highly profitable business that offers courses and coaching programs for consultants looking to start or grow their consulting business, built through iterative content creation and audience validation.
11. Start an entrepreneurship course ($3.93K/month)
Starting an entrepreneurship course places you at the intersection of education and innovation. As someone skeptical about traditional business ventures, developing a structured curriculum that teaches aspiring entrepreneurs can provide practical insights with real-world applications. Given the growing demand to become one's own boss, such courses are increasingly popular and cater directly to today's fast-paced, digital-driven economy.
Additionally, creating an entrepreneurship course allows you to foster a community of like-minded individuals who are eager to share ideas and solutions. Your commitment will involve not only designing engaging content but also continuously updating materials and offering ongoing support, keeping the program relevant and impactful. This venture doesn't just impart knowledge; it inspires new generations to turn their business dreams into reality.
Why starting an entrepreneurship course?
- You could meet the rising demand for entrepreneurship education, tapping into a lucrative market.
- You’ll create a network of motivated individuals eager to learn and grow, providing additional avenues for collaboration.
- Continuously updating and engaging content keeps you at the forefront of business innovation, ensuring sustained relevance and impact.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $8,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $9,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
A 3D CAD designer and product inventor who started as a side hustle and averaged $9,000 a month in revenue, shares his insights on the ups and downs of owning a service-based business alongside an eCommerce store, as well as lessons learned in customer acquisition and in generating multiple streams of passive income.
12. Start a content creation business ($80.3K/month)
Starting a content creation business could make perfect sense if you are a skeptic. By leveraging your critical thinking and analytical abilities, you have the opportunity to provide genuine, well-researched content that stands out in a saturated market. Additionally, the flexibility of freelancing or running a full-service content studio allows you to craft personalized approaches tailored to various client needs, making this an agile and lucrative venture.
Whether you offer niche-specific expertise or broad marketing campaigns, using your writing skills to generate high-quality content could lead to substantial income. For a deeper dive into the profitability and success stories associated with content creation businesses, visit Starter Story.
Why start a content creation business?
- Writing provides a reliable foundation for creating high-quality, evidence-based content.
- Freelancing offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor your work to different client needs and industries.
- Content creation is essential for digital marketing today, making your expertise highly sought-after and potentially lucrative.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Power Move Marketing is an innovative digital marketing company founded by Hailey Brooke McFadden, which has achieved an impressive monthly income of $22,075 and is projected to make almost $300,000 in its first year, by offering a one-stop-shop for e-commerce businesses looking for a marketing powerhouse with a female positive culture.
13. Start a wholesale battery business
Starting a wholesale battery business is a practical option for skeptics seeking an additional income stream or side business in 2024. As the demand for electronic devices continues to surge, the need for battery suppliers grows concurrently. By leveraging bulk purchasing, you could secure batteries at discounted rates and resell them with a healthy profit margin, all while meeting an ever-increasing consumer need. Learn more about potential startup costs and profit margins here.
Why consider a wholesale battery business?
- The increasing dependence on electronic devices guarantees a consistent demand for batteries.
- Low startup costs, as batteries are relatively inexpensive to purchase in bulk.
- You could capitalize on niche markets, such as eco-friendly or specialty batteries, thereby diversifying revenue streams.
14. Start an advertising solution business
For those who are skeptical about taking a traditional entrepreneurial path, starting an advertising solution business could be a practical and rewarding venture. This business involves creating and executing advertising strategies for companies to help them reach the right audience effectively. As brands are constantly trying to distinguish themselves in a saturated market, your expertise in data analysis, understanding market trends, and creative campaign development could be highly sought after.
The demand for intelligent advertising solutions is continuously growing, offering a stable opportunity to generate supplemental income or build a fully-fledged business. If you're keen on leveraging both creative and analytical skills, this business can also deliver the satisfying experience of watching other businesses thrive as a result of your efforts. For more inspiration, you can check out some marketing ideas here.
Why consider an advertising solution business?
- The constant market demand for effective advertising ensures continuous business opportunities.
- It allows you to use both creative and analytical skills, making it a versatile and intellectually stimulating field.
- Helping businesses grow through your expertise can be immensely rewarding and satisfying.
15. Start a residential cleaning business
Starting a residential cleaning business could be a sensible move if you're skeptical about traditional job satisfaction or financial security. With a low barrier to entry, this business requires basic cleaning supplies and dedication, providing flexible hours and steady demand from busy households in need of cleanliness. Targeting professionals, families, and elderly individuals who lack time or ability to clean allows you to potentially supplement your income or even build a full-time venture.
Why consider a residential cleaning business?
- Minimal startup costs make it a low-risk venture, perfect for the cautious.
- Consistent demand ensures a steady stream of clients, providing reliability.
- Flexible hours allow you to adapt the business to your existing schedule.
How much does it cost to start: $499 (?)
16. Start a boat sports blog
Starting a boat sports blog could be a profitable venture, even if you're a skeptic. By covering news and opinions on boat-related topics and activities, you could tap into a highly targeted audience who share your interests. Revenue could be generated through promoting boating-related equipment and accessories, leveraging affiliate marketing to earn commissions.
To start, determine the specific stories you want to cover, choose a blog name, and buy a domain. Setting up a blog could have low startup costs and provide flexibility to scale as it grows. For more detailed startup costs and marketing ideas, you might find this Starter Story article helpful.
Why start a boat sports blog?
- You could monetize your content through affiliate marketing and sponsored posts.
- You could build a niche audience that values specialized content, increasing your blog's engagement.
- Starting a blog provides the flexibility to work around your existing commitments, making it ideal for a side business.
17. Start a vr property sales & leasing business
Starting a VR property sales & leasing business could be an intriguing proposition for a skeptic. The real estate industry is evolving, and leveraging virtual reality offers innovative ways to showcase properties to potential buyers or tenants without them needing to physically visit each location. This could save time and money while tapping into a technologically advanced market where virtual experiences are increasingly becoming the norm.
Additionally, the initial investment in VR technology could be offset by lower operational costs, such as reduced travel expenses and the potential for higher client engagement and satisfaction. With proper marketing and a strong online presence, this venture could generate substantial supplemental income or even become a full-fledged business. For more information on the pros and cons and startup costs, visit Starter Story.
Why consider starting a VR property sales & leasing business?
- It offers a modern approach to property viewing, making the real estate process more efficient.
- Lower overhead costs compared to traditional property sales and leasing businesses.
- High potential for profit by attracting tech-savvy clients looking for convenient and immersive experiences.
18. Start a travel blogger ($38.5K/month)
Starting a travel blog could be an intriguing business venture for skeptics seeking to monetize their love of exploration while mitigating risks. As a travel blogger, you would share your unique experiences and travel insights with an audience eager for authentic recommendations and tips. By leveraging various monetization strategies such as advertisements, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing, you could build a steady stream of income while exploring new destinations.
This business requires skills in writing, photography, SEO, and social media marketing, making it ideal for individuals who already possess or are willing to develop these abilities. If you have a genuine passion for travel and storytelling, a travel blog could be a fulfilling and flexible career choice that isn't reliant on quick successes but rather on consistent effort and engagement.
Why consider becoming a travel blogger?
- You could monetize your passion for travel through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
- A blog allows for flexible work arrangements, letting you explore destinations while building your career.
- You'd be able to share authentic travel experiences, attracting a loyal audience and potential partnerships.
For more real-life insights and success stories, you can explore this link for deeper inspiration.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $61,999/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
TravelMamas.com founder Colleen Lanin shares how she turned a family travel blog into a business that generates $15K in monthly revenue through ad network sales, affiliate sales, sponsored posts, book sales, public speaking appearances, and media campaigns.
19. Start a health technology company ($119K/month)
Starting a health technology company makes sense as a skeptic because it navigates the intersection of healthcare and technology, offering innovative solutions to modern health challenges. This business focuses on creating digital tools, devices, and platforms that improve medical care and personal wellness. With the growing demand for remote care solutions, diagnostics, and personalized treatments, there is vast, largely untapped market potential. You could transform healthcare efficiency and accessibility by combining a solid understanding of healthcare needs with technical expertise.
Why start a health technology company?
- Rising demand for digital health solutions creates a ready market.
- Advanced technology can offer innovative approaches to chronic health issues.
- Making healthcare more accessible could significantly improve patient outcomes.
For more details, read this comprehensive guide.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study article follows Vicki Mayo, who developed a stress-reducing wearable product for her company TouchPoint, which achieved over $2 million in sales in the first couple of years and has been used for stress relief over 3 million times.
20. Develop a design tool ($408K/month)
Starting a design tool business could be a pragmatic choice for skeptics who want a blend of creativity and technology with potential for steady income. The demand for user-friendly design software is growing, as individuals and businesses continually seek efficient ways to create professional-quality visuals without the need for specialized designers. Developing such a tool requires technical skills, market understanding, and ongoing customer support—elements that can appeal to those who are detail-oriented and tech-savvy.
With features like template libraries, drag-and-drop functionality, and collaborative options, you could offer a reliable service that caters to a wide range of users from non-designers to marketing professionals. If you can create an intuitive and effective solution, you could carve out a profitable niche in the booming digital content market. Want to learn more about the costs involved? Check out this link.
Why start a design tool business?
- High demand: The ever-increasing volume of digital content means there's a continuous need for accessible design tools.
- Scalable model: Once developed, design tools can be scaled and distributed globally with relatively low additional costs.
- Recurring revenue: Subscription models for software tools can provide steady, predictable income streams.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,290,747/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 250 days (?)
Learn how two friends bootstrapped a SaaS business to $55k monthly recurring revenue (MRR) by creating a simple graphic design tool for non-designers and focusing on content marketing for customer acquisition.
21. Develop an automation tool ($49K/month)
Starting a business that focuses on developing automation tools could allow you to supplement your income by capitalizing on the growing demand for efficiency in various industries. As a skeptic, you understand the importance of evidence and practicality in any new venture. Automation tools are designed to perform repetitive tasks without manual intervention, such as managing email marketing campaigns or automating payroll processes, making them invaluable for businesses looking to save time and resources. Additionally, with the increasing complexity of business operations, the market for such tools is continuously expanding, presenting a lucrative opportunity for those willing to dive into software development.
Why create an automation tool?
- The increasing complexity of business operations makes efficiency tools highly sought after.
- Automation tools can help companies save on labor costs and improve overall efficiency.
- Developing such tools allows you to tap into a growing market eager for innovative solutions.
For more information, you can explore startup costs and success stories related to automation tools on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 242 days (?)
Integrately founder Abhishek A Agrawal built a 1-click integration platform which acquired around 1,500 paid customers within the first month of its launch, showing that people are looking for an easy way to automate their processes.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
